This proposed law would increase the portion of gasoline tax revenue that would be credited to the state Highway Fund; prohibit the transfer of money from the Highway Fund to other state funds for other purposes; declare that citizens have a right to a safe and efficient public highway, road and bridge system and require the state to develop a comprehensive seven-year state transportation plan; and make certain other changes in state finance laws relating to the Highway Fund.

The proposed law would require that the small portion of state gasoline tax revenues that is deposited in funds relating to the use of watercraft be deposited instead in the Highway Fund. No revenue deposited in the Highway Fund could be transferred to any other state fund for any purpose other than one for which the Highway Fund may be used.

The proposed law would declare that the citizens of Massachusetts have a right to a safe and efficient public highway, road and bridge system, constructed and maintained by the state and its counties, cities and towns. The state Secretary of Transportation and Construction would be required to prepare a comprehensive state transportation plan for the period July 1,1995 through June 30,2002, to be updated every three years. The plan would provide for the repair or reconstruction of at least five percent of public highways and bridges every year, and it would establish priorities for highway, road and bridge projects based on condition and safety factors. The plan would be designed to promote economic development and employment by meeting the various transportation needs of residents throughout the state. The plan would be prepared after a public hearing and after consultation with the state Secretaries of Environmental Affairs and Economic Affairs.

Under the proposed law, money in the Highway Fund would no longer be considered in determining whether the state government has sufficient money on hand to set some aside for use in fiscal years or to deposit some in the state tax reduction fund. The proposed law would declare that no more than 15% of gasoline tax revenues could be used for mass transportation purposes, but it would not prevent the state Legislature from appropriating additional gasoline tax revenues for such purposes.

The proposed law states that if any of its provisions were declared invalid, the other provisions would remain in effect.